Inside the dress on the waistband Cook, Stone & Gladstone (& Co) is printed. These were wholesale linen drapers whose premises were at 21-22 St Paul's Churchyard, Covent Garden, London. They are listed in 1838 as having donated £100 to the Linen Drapers', Silk Mercers', Lacemen's, Haberdashers' and Hosiers' Institute. This was a fund for the relief of its members in times of hardship. Very exciting to find the company who sold the fabric.
Made from an attractive roller print cotton, the design influenced by woven Kashmir shawls. The cotton is more substantial but ideal for an everyday dress worn by a middle class lady. Everyday dress are seldom to be found in good condition.
the striped fabric with rows of crimson and pale green flowers between narrower rows of small motifs, the bodice with round neck with rouleau trim, the front applied with four diagonal pleats from the middle arm to the centre, also vertically rouleau trimmed, darts from waist to under pleats, straightish long sleeves, slighly gathered at the elbow, the cuffs rouleau trimmed with hook and eye, wide waistband 2 in; 5 cm, the skirt straight at the front, with tight cartridge pleating to the sides and back, back opening with brass hooks and embroidered loops, a cotton tie to the waist, deep skirt opening to back, the bodice and deep lower hem lined with cotton, Cook, Stone & Gladstone printed on the inside waistband.
Hem circumference 8ft 2 in; 2.5m
Bust 32 in; 80 cm; Waist 29 in; 74 cm
In very good clean condition. The front of the skirt has been altered, now being flatish. The front waistband has been unpicked to accomodate the skirt alteration and you will detect poor stitching. The waistband could be unpicked and re sewn. Photos available.
All images and text © meg-andrews.com 2021
